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Made In Greene Co. Showcase Accepting Vendor Applications

(SWITZ CITY) - The Greene County Tourism Advisory Board (GCTAB) will be presenting the second annual “Made in Greene County” Showcase in September.

Sabrina Westfall of the Greene County Daily World reports that GCTAB president David Benefiel said organizers are currently accepting applications for the free vendor spaces.

The event will be at White River Valley High School in Switz City Saturday, Sept. 28, and doors will be open to shoppers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- a change from last year's 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The goal of the event is to showcase the varied talent and handiwork of residents from across Greene County. The event is limited only to vendors who make their products in Greene County. The event will also include an outdoor farmer's market for local farmers or garden enthusiasts who wish to sell their produce, vegetables, and homegrown plants," according to a press release issued by Benefiel.

He noted the event would also like to focus on local not-for-profit organizations.

"We continue to stress that because there is no cost for booth space, the event is a perfect fundraising opportunity for local non-profit groups, school clubs, project committees, youth groups, and churches. Please help spread the word to any group that might be interested in participating," he explained.

Benefiel noted the free vendor space is on a first come, first serve basis, so those interested need to sign up as soon as possible. The deadline to reserve a space is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.

"While we have only begun the registration process for this year's event, in the first four days, we have already had 23 vendors register," Benefiel noted. "Because of the significant popularity and success of the event last year and because it is likely that now that many more people know about the event, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of vendors requesting booth space."

Benefiel noted the White River Valley Class of 2015 will have sole permission to sell cold drinks and hot foods. The items will be available to patrons throughout the day. Although any "take home" foods, such as fresh vegetables, jellies and honey, are permitted to sell.

For more information about the event, contact Benefiel at solutions.dab@gmail.com or Cheryl Helms at 812-360-6701.

Benefiel said previously the first event, hosted last September, was a success. Many of the producers sold out during the one-day event.

"Some of them completely sold out and had no idea what they were going to sell at the Apple Festival the next weekend," Benefiel said following the event last year.

He noted many people were shocked at the quality and amount of items that were made and produced in Greene County.

Benefiel also said visitors were not just from the area, and one couple in particular had traveled from Cory, Ind. to start purchasing items for Christmas.

The tourism board president stressed the importance of keeping the "green in Greene".

"We are not just Greene County. We are Greene County," Benefiel said.

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